Bishop Line Appoints New Officer to Connect With Its Community

The Bishop Line Community Rail Partnership (CRP) has appointed Felicity Machnicki as its new Community Rail Officer and member of its steering group.

Felicity joins The Bishop Line CRP, from Let’s Go Tees Valley; the sustainable transport marketing project for Tees Valley Combined Authority. She will be responsible for implementing the four pillars of the Department for Transport’s new Community Rail Strategy in relation to the needs of the residents and businesses served by the Bishop Line.

In a statement, the Partnership stated that “Felicity has been tasked to take the partnership’s relationship with the local community to a new level; she will engage with a variety of groups to establish their needs in terms of local rail travel and will aim to break down any barriers to choosing rail travel for commuting, education, leisure or tourism.”

In relation to the appointment Chairman of the Partnership, Charlie Walton said: “Felicity will be a great ambassador as our new Community Rail Officer. She brings with her Marketing and Communications experience gained from the premium leisure and automotive sectors, along with recent Local Government experience. Felicity has supported the partnership with its marketing needs for the past four years and starts her new role with a strong understanding of the Bishop Line. We look forward to working with her to build on the work she has already initiated.”

Felicity replaces Bob Whitehouse who has undertaken the role for the past ten years and has left the legacy of a successful hourly service, passionate station adoption groups and a strong working partnership with the train operating company, Northern.

Felicity commented “I can see the positive impact which can come about from successfully working with our communities and I look forward to meeting as many residents, businesses, students and teachers, tourist attractions and charities along the Bishop Line as possible. I shall spend time with each group to understand their views of local rail travel, and develop from that a strategy to improve the experience of using the Bishop Line over the coming years.”

If you would like to have your say in shaping the future of the Bishop Line Felicity can be contacted by email at Felicity.Machnicki@BishopLine.org